Often as an autistic adult who has often relied on their parents to make their choices for them, it can be hard to realize that I can make my own choices if I understand the risks and consequences that may happen when making a choice in your life as well as being able to accept the potential criticism that may be endured in your life.

Making choices as an autistic adult can be tough especially when a person such as myself often weighs what my parents may think if it may be a sound decision to make. Essentially, it comes down to what makes me happy but also understanding the risk and accepting the criticism that it may bring, even if it may frustrate those in my inner circle. I am one who often cannot accept criticism and will take back my decision if I feel that it may not settle well with those close to me.

As human beings we only know what we are feeling inside our bodies about things or knowing the choices that we want to make. However, it is important to weigh out the risks and be aware of whether the choice is being made from persuasion by others or whether that is truly the way that we feel. There are many times where autistic people long solely for connection without the true understanding of what doing so truly is. It is also important to not become easily led into something just because someone wants you to be a certain way. You must know whether you truly want to make the choice you make.

Choices themselves have their own elements and their own weight of responsibility and consequences. However, if it is something that we are truly passionate about or is really causing you anxiety when trying to settle on a decision, then it is important to weigh out the pros and cons of what making that choice can do or what will happen if that choice is made.

Not everyone may be happy with the choices that we make if we are allowed to make them, but they must understand that it is what makes them happy or what suits them to their liking. The criticism often weighs heavily on our minds because autistic people often want to make all people satisfied and do not want to see others frustrated with us. However, that is the part of what decision-making is.

Sometimes, we must make choices that protect our well-being and even if it may seem unconventional to maybe not do things at times when it is more socially appropriate to do so, we know that at times when things are too overwhelming for us, and it is best for us to avoid situations that can be too cumbersome for our sensory or other palettes. It may at times seem challenging to not accept something but if it costs your peace, then it is too expensive for your mind.

In essence, you can make the choices that you want to make for yourself. However, it is important to weigh everything out and understand what that choice totally entails and the consequences or reactions it may bring for yourself and others. It is important to fully research and understand what your life choices will bring to your life and how it will affect yourself and others in the end.